President Donald Trump recently announced the creation of a new initiative called the “Board of Peace,” presented as an effort to help resolve conflicts in war-torn regions such as Gaza. Alongside world governments, Trump also invited Pope Leo, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. However, the Vatican ultimately declined the invitation.
The proposal required countries to contribute $1 billion for permanent membership. Several nations — including Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine — chose not to participate. Meanwhile, countries such as Israel, Argentina, Russia, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia accepted the offer.
When the invitation was first sent in January, Vatican officials said Pope Leo needed time to consider the proposal. Now, the Vatican has officially confirmed it will not join the initiative.Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s chief diplomat, explained that the Pope believes complex global conflicts — particularly the situation in Gaza — should be addressed through international cooperation under the United Nations, rather than through a body led by a single nation.
Although Pope Leo did not personally release a detailed statement, his decision aligns with his broader views on global peace, human rights, and compassion toward migrants and refugees. He has repeatedly warned that human dignity and freedom must remain central to any effort aimed at resolving global crises. The Vatican’s refusal highlights ongoing differences over how international peace efforts should be organized and who should lead them.